\Cel"e*brate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Celebrated}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Celebrating}.] [L. celebratus, p. p. of
celebrare to frequent, to celebrate, fr. celeber famous.]
1. To extol or honor in a solemn manner; as, to celebrate the
   name of the Most High.
2. To honor by solemn rites, by ceremonies of joy and
   respect, or by refraining from ordinary business; to
   observe duly; to keep; as, to celebrate a birthday.
         From even unto even shall ye celebrate your Sabbath.
                                               --Lev. xxiii.
                                               32.
3. To perform or participate in, as a sacrament or solemn
   rite; to solemnize; to perform with appropriate rites; as,
   to celebrate a marriage.
Syn: To commemorate; distinguish; honor.
Usage: To {Celebrate}, {Commemorate}. We commemorate events
       which we desire to keep in remembrance, when we recall
       them by some special observace; as, to commemorate the
       death of our Savior. We celebrate by demonstrations of
       joy or solemnity or by appropriate ceremonies; as, to
       celebrate the birthday of our Independence.
             We are called upon to commemorate a revolution
             as surprising in its manner as happy in its
             consequences.                     --Atterbury.
             Earth, water, air, and fire, with feeling glee,
             Exult to celebrate thy festival.  --Thomson.